NH woman indicted on Mass. prostitution charges

Thursday

Jun 27, 2013 at 8:00 PM

NH owner of Mass. spa indicted on charges she coerced employees to perform sex on clients

LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — A grand jury has indicted the owner of a Lawrence massage spa on charges including human trafficking after authorities alleged she coerced employees to perform sex acts on customers, some of whom were secretly videotaped.

The Essex County district attorney's office said 50-year-old Lori Ann Barron of Salem, N.H., was indicted Thursday on three counts of human trafficking, maintaining a house of prostitution, deriving support from prostitution, witness intimidation, and videotaping unsuspecting nude persons.

Barron pleaded not guilty to similar charges in Lawrence District Court on June 11. Her lawyer said the charges are baseless allegations by disgruntled employees. A superior court arraignment hasn't been set.

Prosecutors said Barron allegedly videotaped female employees to keep them from quitting or going to police.

The district attorney's office said its investigation of the case is ongoing.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.